- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 2022
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I think I saw in other threads I looked at that you also wear orthotics? I've never bought trail runners before, so I wasn't sure if they are glued in or removable? Probably the shoe store will not be happy if I start tearing out the innards...As far as I can tell, almost any normal brand-name, decent quality running shoe has removable inserts and is suitable.
Definitely! The podiatrist said he would work with me and potentially even modify the orthotics afterwards. Seems to be a real pro. Of course they cost $400....My husband had orthotics made a few years ago and they did not fit in very many of his shoes. As a result, he did not wear them much and did not take them at all on his last Camino. I recommend you take them with you to the store to make sure they will fit even if the inserts do come out.
Good to know. Wish my health insurance would cover them, I checked.Never had problems finding ( walking ) shoes with removable inserts.
Health insurance covers new ones for me every two years.
Pes cavus and hallux valgus ! Aha high arch and bunion.Great combo.
I don't think I have ever asked to try on a shoe where the inserts turned out to be not removable. But they probably exist, so I wouldn't rip them out with force!I've never bought trail runners before, so I wasn't sure if they are glued in or removable? Probably the shoe store will not be happy if I start tearing out the innards...
The process often involves several suppliers. Usually the podiatrist takes a mould of your foot, and sends that and instructions to a company/person who actually makes the orthotics. That person doesn't see you, the way you walk or your shoe.My husband had orthotics made a few years ago and they did not fit in very many of his shoes. As a result, he did not wear them much and did not take them at all on his last Camino. I recommend you take them with you to the store to make sure they will fit even if the inserts do come out.
Preferably for a really long distance for a few days running.I expect that orthotics are over-prescribed. It is impossible to know if they will make a difference until you try them for a period.
You have probably already figured this out, but it messed me up so badly years ago that I thought I would tell you my experience in case it helps.Good to know. Wish my health insurance would cover them, I checked.
FOLLOWING:I am having some custom orthotics made, and then looking for some trail runners for my upcoming Camino.
The assistant to the podiatrist said I should get shoes that have removable arch supports, so they don't interfere with the new orthotics. Most shoes nowadays have either permanent or removable inserts.
I'll ask the podiatrist at the appointment, but wonder if anyone here has suggestions for particular brand/model trail runners that are good for orthotics? I have both flat feet and arthritic problems with my large toe joints.
Thank you.
FOLLOWING:
This is a good post!
I forgot about how important orthotics are - especially looking at doing a first time camino this fall...
Are there any good brands to choose or are they all podiatrist secret brands ?
I remember I had ski boot orthotics made over 30 years ago and those cork inserts were perfect to flatten the skis to the surface!
Now I have to find a podiatrist.
@davebugg @peregrina2000 @Rick of Rick and Peg @Anamiri @C clearly @SabineP
@J Willhaus
Thank you so much for the valuable and thoughtful advice!
I think I’m in a much better position to choose correctly. I’m going to double check with my insurance company, and probably make my local shoe salesman life miserable for a couple hours. Luckily there is a specialty running and hiking shoe shop about 45 minutes away, with quite a deep inventory.
I’ve been wearing orthotics all my life. Sometimes from a podiatrist, but often just off-the-shelf insoles. But in the last couple years, unfortunately, although I’m only in my 50s, I’ve started to have increasing problems with arthritis.
I have flat feet and arthritis in the toe joints. I actually just had an operation to correct one toe, but the other toe joint is still an issue. I’m a little worried, but I hope with the right shoes and the help of of orthotics, the pain will be manageable
I talked to several podiatrists about this, and it’s a mixed bag about whether they help or not. Certainly they help some people, but not everybody. They always made my feet more comfortable, but I’ve never sought out orthotics to reduce pain. It’s worth a try for me.
Anyway, I’m going to walk the Camino either way this year, even if it is painful part of the time. After all, I’ve been putting this off for 25 years now! And if other pilgrims can do it in crutches or a wheelchair, I think I can suffer through a bit of pain. (And maybe with a bit of luck, there won’t be much pain).
I sympathize with the big toe joint problem, that is my problem as well, although I have very high arched feet.I have both flat feet and arthritic problems with my large toe joints.
Great advice. I think that the plan is to put a rigid piece under the toe joint. Possibly Carbon fiber. I have been wearing podiatrist supplied insoles for the last few years, and my podiatrist tried to stiffen the area underneath the toes with a kind of rigid padding. It helped a little bit.I sympathize with the big toe joint problem, that is my problem as well, although I have very high arched feet.
I have seen several different podiatrists, and there seem to be some different ideas about how to correct this issue. One involved a higher pad under the toe, (that didnt work and made it worse, and my wallet $500 lighter), another involved a rigid piece under the toe joint - that was another $500, but it did work.
So when you decide on a podiatrist have a good talk about the options, (I found they were in either one camp or the other, but it was a sample of only 3), as it is a slow and costly process, and ideally it would be good to get the right option for you first time .
I was told by a specialist that podiatry was an art rather than a science, which my podiatrist found offensive.
But the good new was that eventually my orthotic was successful and I walked my last Camino without pain. And I walked in sandals, my orthotic fit in them well.
I hadn’t thought about that I would have multiple orthotics for multiple shoes. I’ve actually had three different pairs of custom orthotics made in my life, and I just used them with all the different shoes. It was never discussed that I might need to trim them down or anything. It’s been about 15 years though. Great information, thank youThe orthotics which I got made after my knee replacement surgery were made by both science and art. Plaster molds were made of my feet, dunking them in plaster which dried to shape. This was a two stage process, as the footbath produced the molds into which plaster was poured to make models of my feet. The orthotics were shaped to fit these plaster molds. At least, this is how I understand it. The orthotics were made by a company which makes prosthetics for persons lacking various body parts, as well as orthotics. They cost about $550 dollars and fitted my boots perfectly. I was told that I could trim the edges to fit other footwear if I wished, after last year's camino walk. I chose not to do so and am now looking for a suitable boot in the same brand and size to go with the orthotics. The boots with my made-to-measure orthotics were perfectly comfortable when walking the Levante. I wore out those boots on camino trails. In case I should need new orthotics, I can get them made to fit my plaster molds, which I was given to keep. A new pair would be cheaper, with the first stage already on hand. I am looking for new boots in the same brand and size to fit the orthotics. The original orthotics look to have many camino kilometres still in them.
Are you suggesting that the orthotics need to be a half a size up? To compensate for swelling? Or do I misunderstand and you mean the shoes?I have been wearing custom orthotics for a number of years now. When you order them make sure they are sized up half a size rather than an exact fit. I have been buying my shoes a half size larger (especially on the camino) and have never needed to trim the orthotics. Of course I only buy shoes with removable insoles.
A friend had her podiatrist trim her orthotics to fit shoes she bought then of course when she needed to buy new shoes she couldn't find them again and her orthotics never seemed to fit other shoes as well and she had constant issues.
And of course bring your orthotics with you when you try on shoes. And the proper socks.
Thank you, and good advice here and especially earlier the details about choosing shoes that don’t by design interfere with my orthotics.It is hard to hear about health issues that make life difficult, but i applaud your spirit and dedication to pursuing you goals and dreams. When choosing shoes, be patient and be picky. It may be worthwhile to seek out a podiatrist who specializes in sports and athletes, if you haven't already.
I just bought Altra trail running shoes from REI. They are light and comfortable. I have very high arches and these really have great support.I am having some custom orthotics made, and then looking for some trail runners for my upcoming Camino.
The assistant to the podiatrist said I should get shoes that have removable arch supports, so they don't interfere with the new orthotics. Most shoes nowadays have either permanent or removable inserts.
I'll ask the podiatrist at the appointment, but wonder if anyone here has suggestions for particular brand/model trail runners that are good for orthotics? I have both flat feet and arthritic problems with my large toe joints.
Thank you.
After you get your inserts go to REI or the Good feet store. They will help you make the best decision for your situation. REI will even let you return your shoes after you have worn them if they dont work out for you.I am having some custom orthotics made, and then looking for some trail runners for my upcoming Camino.
The assistant to the podiatrist said I should get shoes that have removable arch supports, so they don't interfere with the new orthotics. Most shoes nowadays have either permanent or removable inserts.
I'll ask the podiatrist at the appointment, but wonder if anyone here has suggestions for particular brand/model trail runners that are good for orthotics? I have both flat feet and arthritic problems with my large toe joints.
Thank you.
A couple of thoughts— the insoles in trail runners are pretty much never glued in the shoe. Or, if they are, the glue is minimal and the insole can be safely pulled out and replaced in the store. Yes, try on shoes with your orthotics and follow all the good advice from Dave Bugg. Do remember to go up at least one size above normal to compensate for foot swell while walking. I probably tried on 20 different shoes in various sizes to find the sweet spot, shoes that felt really good and comfortable on my feet. They were a size and a half larger than normal. Finally, spend time on picking out really good socks. I went with Darn Tough merino wool socks. Good luck!I am having some custom orthotics made, and then looking for some trail runners for my upcoming Camino.
The assistant to the podiatrist said I should get shoes that have removable arch supports, so they don't interfere with the new orthotics. Most shoes nowadays have either permanent or removable inserts.
I'll ask the podiatrist at the appointment, but wonder if anyone here has suggestions for particular brand/model trail runners that are good for orthotics? I have both flat feet and arthritic problems with my large toe joints.
Thank you.
My current orthotics are softer than the hard plastic orthotics which I had in the past and I don't know if the older type of orthotic could be trimmed. I wouldn't trim my newer ones now unless I had spoken to the place which made them and possibly requested that they do the trimming. As for up-sizing your footwear a size or half a size, I tried that once (half a size) and had to give the boots away because they were too loose. If you are accustomed to walking long distances, your usual footwear size for that purpose should work for you. You don't want to have to try to adjust your footwear or buy new ones when you are already on camino.It was never discussed that I might need to trim them down or anything. It’s been about 15 years though.
I bought my orthotics a half size larger with the intention of probably having to trim them down and because they were originally bought for the camino boots I had which were larger. Nothing as irritating (physically) as feeling the slight edge of the insoles in your shoes. I don't find my feet swell much larger than a half size, but everyone's experience is different.Are you suggesting that the orthotics need to be a half a size up? To compensate for swelling? Or do I misunderstand and you mean the shoes?
I’ve done lots of hiking in heavy boots. Not a good choice for the Camino. Lighter is better.Regarding getting boots that will work with orthotics you may want to have the boots custom made. Limmers in New Hampshire has made boots for decades and could probably make one that fits both your feet and orthotic. The downsides that I know of are
1) Getting there for a fitting (not so bad for Stephan).
2) Cost
3) Wait time
4) They are heavy
Limmer Boots
At Peter Limmer & Sons and Limmer Boot Company, we create and provide hand crafted boots known to last for 20-40 years. Made from the highest quality materials and a true "single piece" leather upper, our Limmer Custom Boots, Limmer Boots, and Boot Repair service are the most sustainable leather...limmerboots.com
I have both Brooks Cascadia and Altra Lone Peak 5 which do well with my orthotics for walks and hikes.I am having some custom orthotics made, and then looking for some trail runners for my upcoming Camino.
The assistant to the podiatrist said I should get shoes that have removable arch supports, so they don't interfere with the new orthotics. Most shoes nowadays have either permanent or removable inserts.
I'll ask the podiatrist at the appointment, but wonder if anyone here has suggestions for particular brand/model trail runners that are good for orthotics? I have both flat feet and arthritic problems with my large toe joints.
Thank you.
I don't have about 10 years experience with orthotics in trail runners, but I do with regular running shoes as well hiking shoes/boots. I agree very much with what you podiatrist assistant recommended. The inserts in shoes are designed to both cushion and to provide arch support. It's the arch support function the interferes with orthotics. When you have you feet casted to mold the orthotics, they use the cast to build an orthotic that is custom made to the shape and height of your arch. They need to lie flat in the shoe to work properly.The assistant to the podiatrist said I should get shoes that have removable arch supports, so they don't interfere with the new orthotics.
I have had custom made orthotics (ghastly expensive), and they solved my crippling foot problems. Along the way, one of my podiatrists gave me as a temporary fix, some white, semi-hard foam orthotics that I have bought more of and used for years in all my shoes. They cost about $25 for a pair and in some cases may help others with foot problems. I expect most podiatrists would be familiar with these inexpensive orthotics and may be willing to provide them. The convenience of having multiple orthotics is great-- I don't have to keep switching between shoes.I think there is a lot of overthinking going on here!
There may be more complicated cases, but my experience is this:
- You get orthotics custom made to put in shoes instead of the ones that come from the manufacturer.
- The podiatrist checks that the orthotic fits appropriately in your shoes. They might need to trim the orthotic a bit.
- You test the orthotic for a few weeks, in consultation with the podiatrist, to see if your problem is resolved. If not, adjustments and advice will be offered.
- For new shoes, you shop the same as always - replacing the inner sole each time you try a new pair. You might find a size larger than before is better, but that depends on how roomy your previous shoes were.
- If the orthotic doesn't fit in the candidate new shoe, the foot probably won't fit ideally either!
- All the fitting considerations and type choices are exactly the same as for people without custom orthotics.
They are not glue in. Reputable stores such as REI here in the USA will actually take out the original insert for you and make sure your orthotic fits correctly.I think I saw in other threads I looked at that you also wear orthotics? I've never bought trail runners before, so I wasn't sure if they are glued in or removable? Probably the shoe store will not be happy if I start tearing out the innards...
The store allowed me to take out the inserts and try my orthotics. In fact they insisted on it.I think I saw in other threads I looked at that you also wear orthotics? I've never bought trail runners before, so I wasn't sure if they are glued in or removable? Probably the shoe store will not be happy if I start tearing out the innards...
I also already use some over the counter Orthotics supplied by my podiatrist. He wasn't actually convinced that the custom ones were necessary. He suggested the biggest difference was in how long they last. At least for flat feet.I have had custom made orthotics (ghastly expensive), and they solved my crippling foot problems. Along the way, one of my podiatrists gave me as a temporary fix, some white, semi-hard foam orthotics that I have bought more of and used for years in all my shoes. They cost about $25 for a pair and in some cases may help others with foot problems. I expect most podiatrists would be familiar with these inexpensive orthotics and may be willing to provide them. The convenience of having multiple orthotics is great-- I don't have to keep switching between shoes.
I think you may be right. My original question is answered. Most higher end trail or running shoes have removable insoles, so fitting orthotics is no problem.I think there is a lot of overthinking going on here!
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